Boston Computer Society - Sinclair Timex User Group Newsletter

OOOO The Boston Computer Society

SINCLAIR/TIMEX USER GROUP NEWSLETTER

Volume 1, Issue 5 November 1982

Thie newsletter is produced to inform group members of the agenda and
logistics for future meetings, as-well as to recap and amplify the information
provided at the last meeting. It also provides a forum for members and
interested parties to communicate what they have learned or developed relating
to Sinclair and Timex computer products. Meetings are open to the public;
however, attendees are encouraged to join the Boston Computer Society (BCS).

NEXT MEETING
Date: Wednesday, November ‘17, 1982
Time: 7:00 pom
Place: Large Science Auditorium
UMass, Harbor Campus
(Directions on last page)
AGENDA

Is the ZX-81 or TS-1000 a good gift to someone you know (including
yourself) this holiday season? The November/December issue of Computer Update,
BCS’s magazine, suggests it is. At our November meeting, we will address the
pros and cons (mostly pros -—- but we’re biased), and discuss the problems that
a novice user of the machine is likely to encounter. Also, Robert Masters will
review VU-CALC, a spread-sheet program being marketed by both Sinclair and
Timex.

In addition to the above, we will break up into groups to discuss topics
of special interest. Tentatively, we will break into an advanced group and a
beginners group. Dave Wood has volunteered to lead the advanced group in a
discussion of how the floating-point calculator works.

PLANS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

In future meetings: we will have a demonstration of the new Timex printer
and, modem; Mindware has promised an update on their products and plana; and we
shope. Eo have a joint meeting with the Robotics User Group of the BCS. The
December meeting will be on the 13th. We have not established the itinerary
for that meeting and welcome suggestions.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OCTOBER MEETING. ..

- Last meeting we celebrated the first birthday the user group. Ms. Maggie
Bruzelius of Sinclair Research, Ltd. and Mr. Dan Ross of Timex Computer
Corporation, the top executives of their respective companies in the U.S., each
provided a very interesting talk about their company’s history, objectives, and
Products. See articles starting on page 4.

OTHER MEETING ACTIVITIES

October broke the attendance record -- more than 200 people came to hear
our guests. This was the first meeting for perhaps as many as one third of
those present. Also there were 6 of the original 18 members who first met: in
Kenmore Square on October 14, 1981.

In addition to the talks by Ms- Bruzelius and Mr. Ross, Sue made her usual
plea for attendees to join the BCS and to become active in the user group. A
questionnaire was passed out to solicit volunteers and ideas. Also, each
vendor who brought a display to the meeting gave a brief pitch:

. Mindware - Michael Levy promised to provide an update of Mindware’s
products at an upcoming meeting.

7 E-Z Key - Henry April described his 60-key keyboard and enclosure.

. Demystifying Computers - Mike Weiskoff described his introductory
~~ computer programming courses eal are ARS TES

. Syntax - Ann Zevnik said a few words about the newsletter she edits

and promoted her new quarterly magazine, SQ.

. Compucart - George Peterson displayed a cart for the computer,
peripherals, references, etc.

. Sinclair Research, Ltd. ~ Leonie Baldwin, Cynthia D’Angelo, and
Beth Elliott were present to answer questions. They brought an
interesting brochure containing a collection of articles about
Sinclair. They also had a new Sinclair software listing.

. Timex Computer Corporation ~- Tricia Bonze, Joanne Ciarlo, and Pan
DiLeone were present to answer questions and to demonstrate Timex
software. However, they couldn’t do much demonstrating because
people monopolized the machines playing games.

. Siriusware - Dave Wood described his data tape and BASIC merging
utilities. He is targeting his products for programmers as opposed
to end-users.

----Following the formal meeting, cake, punch, and coffee were enjoyed -- in.
spite of the fact that the baker misspelt Sincliar.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our October meeting, the First Anniversary Meeting, was a big success
thanks to efforts of the following people:

. Sean O’Rahilly who coordinated all pre-meeting activities in the
auditorium.

. John Cahill and Allan Cohen who prepared and posted signs.

. Rick Kane who obtained the facility and ordered refreshments.

. Rosemary Fortin who took the photographs.
. John Kemeny and Dave Wood who manned the membership table.
~

~

Thanks also goes to the many people who contributed labor setting up and
tearing down the displays. And a special thanks goes to Mindware, Sinclair
Research, and Timex for the refreshments,

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -~ A NEW SERVICE

As a service to members, we are instituting a question and answer section
of the newsletter. We have the resources within the group, and through
contacts with Sinclair Research and Timex, to answer most any questions you may
have. Send your questions to the editor. The address is on the last page.

COMPUTER HINT

With some ZX-8! and TS-1000 computers, you may find lines or shadows
between characters, The lines are sometimes more apparent when you add memory
or peripherals. It has been suggested that, if the antenna connector/switch
box is covered with aluminum foil, the lines are made less objectionable. The
foil should make electrical contact with the shield (outer conductor) of the
cable going to the computer. Be careful not to short the signal.

WHEREFORE THE DATA STATEMENT

The Sinclair/Timex BASIC interpreter has been criticized for not having
DATA, READ, and RESTORE statements. Users familiar with the system realize
this is not really a problem. The function of the DATA statements can be
mimicked by the computer in many, flexible, ways. However, a novice user often
finds himself needing to translate programs from a BASIC language which uses
the DATA statement. We offer the following.

The DATA statement allows a programmer to define a list of numbers in his
program. The READ statement retrieves these numbers, one at a time, and
assigns them to a variable. The RESTORE statement forces the READ to scan the
list from the beginning again.

In order to translate a program which has DATA statements, you must:
1. Include the following routine in your program:

500 LET DI=DI+1

510 IF D$(DI)="_" THEN GOTO 500
520 LET DJ=DI

530 LET DJ=DJ+1

535 IF DJ> LEN DS THEN GOTO 550
540 IF DS(DI) <> " " THEN GOTO 530
550 LET D«VAL D$(DI TO DJ~1)

560 LET DI=bJ

570 RETURN

2. Have a statement LET DI = 0 somewhere near the beginning of your
program (before doing any READs). Follow this by the DATA statement
LET D$ = "YOUR DATA HERE". The data elements (i.e., numbers) are

separated by blanks. For example, if the program being translated
has DATA 5, 10.4, -3, 6.9E-10
then use LET D$§ = "5 10.4 -3 6.9E-10"

3. Replace RESTORE statements in the program by LET DI = 0.
4. Finally, replace READ statemente by GOSUB 500 followed by

LET VARIABLE = D. For example, READ A becomes GOSUB 500 and LET A=D.
Error 3 resylts if you READ passed end of dat y

MAGGIE BRUZELIUS -- SINCLAIR

Ms. Maragret Bruzelius, Executive Vice
President for the U.S. Operations of Sinclair
Research, Ltd., was the first speaker at our °
October Anniversary meeting. She described her
company -- its history, achievements, and plans.

Maggie described Sinclair Research as a
high-technology, idea company providing research
and development to bring new products to the
marketplace. Examples of products developed by
Sinclair include the Executive Pocket Calculator
(1972), a digital wrist watch (1975), a 2-inch TV
(1977), calculators and multimeters (1977-78), the
ZX-80 (1980), and the ZX-81 (1981). Clive
Sinclair has done this with a very, very small
company -~ currently only 50 employees worldwide.

Et A RR AE AEA ION EE ON. fake en
The ZX-80 was the first computer to:sell for under $200. This was made

possible because the ZX-80 containe one tenth the number of parts previously

required for a computer. Since the introduction of the ZX-80, Sinclair has

sold more than 500,000 computers in 21 countries, more than any other company.

Maggie said that the computer is well matched to the job of improving computer

literacy, which we all know is essential today.

Sinclair’s licensing agreements with Timex allows Timex to use Sinclair’s
name and technology in North America. Maggie said Sinclair chose Timex because
of its marketing capability. She pointed out that, before the licensing
agreements, Timex had been the manufacturer of the ZX-81.

As for Spectrum, the new computer Sinclair has developed, Maggie couldn’t
say when it would find its way to the U.S., because of the "complex agreements
made with Timex." She said that there was tremendous demand for the Spectrum
in the U.K. (more than 30,000 sold in just three months), and that this demand
would have to be satisfied before the computer could be introduced in the U.S.

Maggie concluded by saying that Sinclair was searching for the "world’s
best computer designer," and that there would be a sizable reward for
information leading to his or her "captures!

Maggie presented Sue Mahoney with a check. for $100 for the group’s
library.

OTHER USER GROUPS

For the past two months, we have sent copies of the newsletter to
approximately 60 user groups across the country. Syntax has been our best
source in identifying these groups. In response, we have heard from eight
groups and received copies of newsletters from five: Westinghouse ZX80/81
Users Group, Baltimore, Maryland; Sinclair User’s Group of Oklahoma, Tinker
AFB, Oklahoma; T/SZ Users Group, Kansas City, Missouri; Gulf Coast Sinclair
Users Group, Slidell, Lousiania; and Sinclair User’s Network (S.U.N.),
Palatine, Illinois. In future issues of this newsletter, we plan to pass along
what we learn from these groups. Copies of the newsletters will be maintained
in the library.

DAN ROSS -~ TIMEX

Mr. Daniel Ross, Vice President of Operations, Timex Computer Corporation,
was the second speaker at our Anniversary meeting. He described the Timex
company -- its relationship with Sinclair Research, its announced computer
products, and its plans for a national user group.

Timex is the company largely responsible for popularizing the wrist watch.
According to Dan, this occurred primarily because Timex built an affordable,
durable product and put the product in a marketplace where people felt
comfortable buying it. In addition to wrist watches, however, Timex has
demonstrated the capability to mass-produce many high-technology products.
Gyroscopes, Polaroid cameras, and computer assemblies are just some examples.

Timex began manufacturing the ZX-81 for Sinclair in January 1981 in its
Dundee, Scotland plant. In 12 months Timex assembled over 500,000 computers.
Dan commented that, if Sinclair is the largest seller of computers, then Timex
is the largest builder. Timex’ first computer product was introduced in the
U.S. on July 29. Timex plans to expand into the Mexican and Canadian markets
when their production capabilities allow.

Dan suggested that Sinclair selected Timex to market its computer in North
America because of Timex’ distribution and marketing skills. According to Dan,
Timex has the largest distribution system of any company in the world. In
addition, Timex has very high brand identification (only two companies have
higher). Fifty percent of the world’s population see the name "Timex" daily.

The Timex Computer Corporation is a new company, with dedicated sales and
support staff. It is headquartered is Middlebury, Connecticut. Distribution
for the TS~1000 is currently through computer specialty stores, major
department stores, and some chain drug stores. Dan confided that distribution
was constrained this year by production capability. Demand has run three times
production. Currently, Timex is producing one computer every ten seconds!
Manufacturing of the TS-1000 has expanded to plants in Scotland, Portugal, and
France. Two of Timex’ Far East plants will be used for additional .computer
products.

Timex launched its advertising campaign in
September with national TV and magazine ads. The
tag line in Timex’ ads is "The Power is Within
Your Reach." The magazines were chosen to avoid
confusion with Sinclair products, which also are
advertised nationwide. Response has been
tremendous. For example, in the third week more
than 52,000 call attempts were metered for the
toll-free phone number in the ads. This tied up
all 800 lines into Connecticut. Obviously, Timex
was not able to service all the calls. Dan said
Timex is busy trying to get a better answer rate.

Timex’ toll-free number is 800 24 TIMEX.

Products announced by Timex include the
TS-1000 (the ZX-81 plus an additional 1K of RAM),
the 16K RAM module, and 30 software packages.
Timex will have more that 50 software packages by
the end of the year. They will cover four area
home, education, entertainment, and business

CONT...

The Timex printer is expected to be available in December. The printer
prints 40 columns on heat~sensitive (thermal) paper. It plugs into the
computer’s edge connector and comes with its own power. In addition, it uses
the computer’s LPRINT, LLIST, and COPY commands. The computer commands produce
32-column output, but the programmer can use all 40 columns. The printer will
sell for $99.95.

The Timex modem is due the first quarter of 1983. It will provide direct
interface to the phone line, i-e., to the small connector on the back of your
phone. Software to use the modem will also be included. From what Dan said it
can be inferred that the modem will provide automatic dial and answer
capabilities. The cost of the modem will be $99.95.

Timex has announced that they will market a family of computers. Timex

has research and development facilities in Middlebury, Connecticut; Cupertino,

California; and France, :

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Timex will also have a national user gtqup. Hach person who returns the

warranty card for a new TS-1000 automatically becomes a member. Members will

Teceive a quarterly publication, new product information, and a plastic card

good for promotional discounts. Dan said that members of user group

organizations may also be given the opportunity to participate in these

benefits.

In the question and answer. period, Dan stated that Timex is working on a
computer literacy series with WGBH, the educational TV station in Boston. He
also said that programs in ROM packages are coming in the future, and that
several companies are working on such an approach to program distribution.

FLOATING-POINT CALCULATOR

The ZX-81 and TS-1000 perform all arithmetic using floating-point numbers.
A floating-point number is the representation of a number by a fraction and an
exponent. For example, the number 373 ts represented as 0.373x103, where 0.373
is the fraction, and 3 is the exponent. Of course, the computer uses binary,
and not decimal, representation. Each floating-point number occupies five
bytes of. storage. The first byte conveys the exponent; the remaining four

-gives-the computéfefght or nine decimal place accuracy.

bytes the siga (positive gr negative) and fractions... The four byte fractionah oo.
r

The Z-80 microprocessor chip contained in the 2X-81 and TS-1000.is capable
of -arithmetic with only single bytes and, in some cases, pairs of bytes. To do
floating-point arithmetic.(with five bytes), rather elaborate software exists
-En.the ROM. This softwate, plus an area of scratch pad memory referred to as
the calculator stack, constitute the floating-point calculator. Details of how
it all works will be discugsed in the advanced session at the next meeting.

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THE THOLEAN WEB

Although we haven’t used the Sinclair/Timex to reproduce graphics from the
Star Trek movies, we made some graphics from the TV series -- the Tholean web.
The main procedure demonstrates a good way to use BASIC (without machine code)
to bounce, or ricochet, objects from side walls. This method is useful in>
writing many kinds of games -- for example billiards.

Here’s the program:

5 LET Pg="98" (the graphics space character)

xi" ©, AND, and <= are tokens)
Yl" = (ditto)

90 LET 2$=X$-+"AND"+Y¥$ (AND is a token)
99 REM MAIN PROCEDURE

100 LET X=X+DX

110 LET Y=¥+DY

120 IF VAL 2$ THEN GOTO 200

130 LET DX=DX*(2*VAL X$-1)

140 LET DY=DY¥*(2*VAL Y¥$-1)

150 LET X=KAVAL X$+X1*(X >= 0)* NOT VAL XS

160 LET Y=Y&VAL YS$+¥1*(¥ >= 0)* NOT VAL YS

170 REM OUTPUT FOLLOWS

200 PRINT AT X,Y; PS;

250 GOTO 100

Run the program in SLOW mode. Try changing the values in lines 5 through 60.
For fancy, three-dimensional looking images, change lines 120 and 200 to:

120 IF VAL 28 THEN GOTO 180
200 PRINT AT X+I,¥; PS;

and add:

180 LET I=LEN P$
190 LET I=I-1
220 IF I > 0 THEN GOTO 190

Use various length graphics strings for P$. The string consisting of the
graphics on 7, G, S, T, and 8 does nicely.

Try adding the following lines:

115 LET DX=DX+1.6
135 LET DX=DxX+3.2

What happens? Hint: Think of line 115 as adding gravitational deceleration,
and line 135 as adding inelastic bounces.

SOURCES

Two publications which provide useful information about the Sinclair/Timex
computers are Sync and Syntax:

. Sync, P.O. Box 789-M, Morristown, NJ 07960. Syne is a bimonthly
magazine which provides well written articles and lots of ads. It
costs $12.97 per year. 7

. Syntax, RD 2, Box 457, Harvard, MA 01451. Syntax is a monthly
newsletter providing short articles, hints, reviews, and ads. It
costs $29 per year. If you join with five or more members, you will
veceive three additional issues free.

Occasionally, you will find Sinclair or Timex information in other
publications, such as Byte or Microcomputing-

INFORMATION

For more information, contact either: Se

Sue Mahoney, Director Cliff Danielson, Editor
c/o The Boston Computer Society or 14 Davis Road
or leave a message at Chelmsford, MA 01824

(617) 361-4736 or 361-5819
DIRECTIONS TO THE MEETING

The Sinclair/Timex User Group meets in the Large Science Auditorium (Room
8/2/009) of the University of Massachusets of Boston, Harbor Campus. The
Harbor Campus is only three miles from downtown Boston and easily accessible by
public or private transportation. From the north or west, take the Southeast
Expressway to Exit 17, Turn left onto Columbia Road. Enter the rotary and
take the first right (Morrissey Boulevard). Bear right on the traffic island,
following UMass/Boston sign. Turn left into the campus. From the south, take
the Southeast Expressway to Exit 18 (near the Boston Gas tanks). Follow
Morrissey Boulevard northward to the campus. On the MBTA, take the Red Line
(Ashmont Train) to Columbia Station. Transfer to the free University suttlebus
in the T parking lot.

OO The Boston _
OOComputer Society

Three Center Plaza
Boston, MA 02108
617-367-8080